Formula One champion Max Verstappen gave only brief answers during Saturday’s press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, apparently protesting the recent sanction imposed on him by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
Verstappen took part in the conference reserved for the three fastest drivers in qualifying after finishing second but was reluctant to speak.
On Friday, the FIA ordered Verstappen to “perform community service” after he used an expletive to describe his car at another FIA press conference the day before.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had indicated he wanted to reduce the number of swear words in F1, sparking the latest in several disagreements between the governing body and drivers.
After a brief statement that he was happy with his second place in qualifying and grateful to his Red Bull team, Verstappen kept his responses to a minimum and said he risked being fined if he said more.
What did the team change on the car? “A lot [de choses]. » Is he optimistic about Sunday’s race? “Maybe.” And his start alongside his title rival Lando Norris? “We’ll see tomorrow.”
As the conference moderator struggled to get answers, the Dutchman clarified: “It’s not against you, don’t worry. I don’t want to upset you.”
Verstappen’s silence was limited to the official FIA press conference. He took questions in the press area after qualifying and invited them to question him outside the press conference room.
Asked how long he would refuse to give answers at FIA press conferences, the Dutchman said: “I answer, just not much. Problem with my voice.”
Verstappen received support from Norris and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who himself has expressed concerns about Ben Sulayem’s position.
After joking that Verstappen deserved his punishment for his “foul language”, Norris added: “It’s not fair. I don’t agree with any of that.”
“It’s a bit of a joke, to be honest. This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made,” Hamilton added, before suggesting Verstappen not do the work the FIA has imposed. “I certainly wouldn’t. And I hope Max doesn’t.”
Hamilton, the only black driver in F1, had previously objected to Ben Sulayem’s statement that F1 should not sound like “rap music”, explaining his opposition to swearing in an interview with Motorsport last week.
Hamilton said Ben Sulayem’s words were “stereotypical” and had a “racial element.”
